Stewart first among Oregon athletes drafted
Former Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart hopes to have an immediate impact for the Carolina Panthers, who selected him as the 13th overall pick in Saturday's NFL Draft.
"I don't think anyone should have lower standards than being the best that you can be," said Stewart in a conference call with reporters from his home in Washington.
Stewart, as expected, was the first of the players from Oregon schools to be taken in the weekend's draft and the only one taken Saturday. Oregon teammate Dennis Dixon and Oregon State offensive guard Roy Schuening were among those still available on Sunday for the later rounds.
As a junior, Stewart set the Ducks' single-season record with 1,722 yards rushing and 2,481 all-purpose yards. He had nine games with at least 100 yards rushing.
The 5-foot-11, 230-pound back had surgery to repair turf toe last month. He said his rehab is going according to schedule and he should be ready for training camp.
The Panthers got familiar with Jonathan Stewart last month when he came to Charlotte to have the surgery, performed by Panthers team physician Dr. Robert Anderson.
After selecting Stewart, the Panthers pulled off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to get the 19th pick, where they took tackle Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh.
"I'm just glad that the Carolina Panthers came along and had faith in me, had faith in my health," Stewart said. "And I'm going to be a good player for them."
Included among the other Ducks considered prospects are offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz and wide receivers Cameron Colvin and Bryan Paysinger.
Players from Oregon State hoping to be selected included running back Yvenson Bernard, center Kyle DeVan, kicker Alexis Serna and linebackers Derrick Doggett and Joey LaRocque.
Portland State center Brennen Carvalho also could be selected, as well as Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge, who is from Hillsboro, and Washington State QB Alex Brink, from Eugene.
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